LENTEN PRAYER: God our Father, you witnessed the cruel death of your son, and are still witness to every abuse of human rights and dignity throughout the world. Help us grow in solidarity with all those who are your children.

ROSTERS: for April are now available. Please check to see if there is one for your family. Thank you.

HOLY WEEK/ EASTER LITURGIES:
Holy Thursday, April 9: St Joseph’s 7.30pm
Our Lady Help of Christians. 7.30pm
Good Friday, April 10: St Philomena’s. 3pm
Holy Saturday, April 11. St Joseph’s. 7.30pm
Our Lady Help of Christians. 7.30pm
Easter Sunday, April 12: St Philomena’s. 11am

CUP OF TEA: after Mass today. Served by Parish Council members.

MASS OF THE OILS: You are invited to attend the annual Mass of the Oils at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North, on Tuesday 7th April at 7pm. During this Mass our priests re-affirm their commitment to priestly ministry and representatives from throughout the diocese collect the holy oils blessed by the Bishop for us during the coming year. A light meal will be available from 5.30pm in the Parish Lounge for those travelling from a distance, and a cuppa will be served following Mass. If interested please see Syd Wells or Sr Mary.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES: are now being held for those who celebrated their First Reconciliation last year. Please pray for the children and their families from St Philomena’s, Our Lady Help of Christians and St Joseph's Parishes who are walking this faith journey. First Communion Sunday is May 3rd.

“LITTLE BOOKS” FOR EASTER: As we move through our happy, busy lives it’s easy to forget why were here. The “Little” books skilfully gives us aid, in six minuts daily, to think on the important things in life. We have been sent extra copies of the Easter booklet, if you would like one. See Sr Mary or Molly. Price $5

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Preparation for this Sacrament begins on Sunday 10th May. Please encourage your children, grandchildren, godsons and goddaughters to consider opening their hearts to God in this most important faith celebration. (For Year 11 and above) Registration forms will be available later in the month.

DOVE FELLOWSHIP FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN: are holding a Retreat - The Sound of the Dove is Heard in Our Land - on 24-26 April in Wanganui to Celebrate 25 years. Come and See! Come and Celebrate!  Registration forms in Church Foyer. www.dove.org.nz

WRITING COMPETITION: The topic for the 2009 religious writing competition organised by the Knights of the Southern Cross is The Church is celebrating the ‘Pauline Year’. Why is Saint Paul important? What does Saint Paul say to me? The competition is free to enter, has prizes totalling $1000 and closes on 6 June. Competition details are on the parish notice board or can be obtained by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MULTI-CULTURAL LITURGY SERVICE: The multi-cultural liturgy date is Friday June 19th at 7:00 pm at St Joseph’s Church, New Plymouth. Contact Susan Frykberg 7573682 See the notice board for more details.

SACRED HEART GIRLS COLLEGE: Enrolment applications for 2010 should be lodged before 30 April 2009, but not later than 30 June 2009. Applications received after the due date will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a signed preference form or copy of Baptism certificate will be the first accepted. Enquiries: Mrs Bernadette Bruce, SHGC, PO Box 3241, New Plymouth. Ph: 758 5023 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Hostel enquiries: (06) 757 5713

ADULT EDUCATION COURSES IN THE FAITH: Ever wondered what the key characteristics of Catholicism were or the key principles of Christian morality? The following courses offered by the Wellington Catholic Education Centre through the Palmerston North Campus may help answer those questions and more. Introduction to Catholicism : Diocesan Centre, Palmerston North: April 20th – 22nd.
Introduction to Christian Morality: Sacred Heart Girls College,NP. April 23rd – 25th. For any further information or enrolment in the above courses, please contact Wendy Silver on 06 354 1780, ext 833 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOICE FOR LIFE SONG CONTEST: Following a great response to our 2008 Pro-Life Song Contest, this year's contest will include a "College and under 19 years" category together with an "open" category. For details please see the notice board.

CARITAS LENT APPEAL: Thank you for all the gifts you have already made to the 2009 Caritas Lent Appeal. With our support, the poor communities we are in partnership with in many parts of the world will benefit from the Church’s work for justice, peace and development. Donation receipts will be issued in two runs in early May. One for donations received before 31 March and the second for donations made after.